The red-hot Illawarra Hawks will be seeking redemption this Friday, when they travel to Tasmania to take on the JackJumpers.
The Hawks have been flying up the standings since the appointment of interim head coach Justin Tatum, but suffered a major loss to Tasmania when they played in late December, the biggest of his tenure.
Tasmania currently sit third on the table, but have struggled in recent weeks - their win over Cairns snapping a two-game slide at the hands of South East Melbourne and New Zealand.
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Can the Hawks claim revenge and keep their momentum going, or will Tasmania claim all three wins against them this season?
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks prediction
- Prediction: Illawarra Hawks to win
This should be a tight contest, but the Hawks should be able to take down the JackJumpers this Friday.
Friday's game will be the second in three games for Tasmania, as they take on Brisbane on Wednesday night, before returning home to host Illawarra on Friday.
The Hawks are also riding a three-game winning streak, while the JackJumpers have lost two of their last three.
Of course, the Hawks' last loss came against this Tasmania unit, and they have lost to them twice this season, so a win here is crucial for the Hawks, but not at all guaranteed.
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks key matchup
- Key matchup: Milton Doyle vs Gary Clark
Two of the NBL's most in-form players will face off in Friday's game, as superstars Milton Doyle and Gary Clark do battle.
Doyle was touted as an early MVP candidate, and while his play has slightly dipped, he is still playing at an elite level - 31 points, seven rebounds, and three assists against Cairns.
Clark has come into his own following the coaching change for the Hawks, with a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double coming in his last outing against South East Melbourne.
Two elite wings going head-to-head will no doubt be the main attraction in this game, each hoping to push their squads to a win.
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks player to watch
- Player to watch: Justin Robinson
It was a tough start to the season for Robinson, after missing the entire previous season with injury, but like many Hawks, he has begun to flourish since the team changed coaches.
Robinson has taken a major step forward offensively - back-to-back 19-point games against Adelaide and South East Melbourne, and his rising performance has lifted the team with him.
He will face off against another elite guard in this one - Tasmania's Jordan Crawford - but if he can continue his elite play he could help the Hawks run away with the win.
When is Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks?
The Tasmania JackJumpers host the Illawarra Hawks on Friday, January 12, at MyState Bank Arena in Tasmania.
The game is set to tip off at 7:30 pm AEDT.
How to watch Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks
The Friday night clash between the JackJumpers and the Hawks will be shown live on ESPN, via Foxtel.
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The game can also be streamed on Kayo.
| TV Channel | ESPN |
| Streaming | Kayo |
*Available on Friday, 5-10pm until 18th February 2024. Participating stores only. Min spend $15. Service fees apply
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